Falls and Mobility Clinic

Latrobe Regional Hospital’s Falls and Mobility Clinic provides assessment and management of clients who have experienced falls in their home/community environment or who have mobility or balance problems placing them at significant risk of falls.

It provides assessment of the aged and others with a recent history of falls and for those with complex medical, mobility or balance problems that place them at significant risk of falls.

The clinic provides specialist multi-disciplinary services including Geriatric Medicine, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

The primary function of the clinic is to provide a comprehensive assessment and review of clients. 

Those requiring ongoing management or therapy will be referred to other services as appropriate.

The clinic liaises with the client’s General Practitioner (GP) A report including recommendations for management will be sent to the GP, this ensures continuity of care when the client is referred to other services.

A report is also sent to the client.

How does the clinic operate?

Referral:

The preferred source of referral to the clinic is the client’s GP.

In addition, Allied Health professionals, community service providers and agencies including the Aged Care Assessment Team can refer clients to the clinic.

Clients or their carers may also make a referral.

Referrals should be forwarded to Latrobe Regional Hospital’s Single Point Entry service, phone (03) 5173 8506.

Initial appointment:

Clients are contacted when their referral is received by the clinic and appointments are arranged. 

The initial assessment may take up to three hours due to the comprehensive assessment conducted by multiple team members.

Attendance by family members and/or carers is desirable and welcome.

When deemed necessary a home assessment/visit will be performed by the clinic’s Occupational Therapist.

Management Plan:

After consultation with the client, the clinic team meets to determine a management or referral plan.

The plan/report is sent to the client and their GP. 

Included in the Management Plan is a range of strategies aimed at reducing the client’s risk of falling and improving their quality of life, mobility and function.

The plan also incorporates a wide range of possible interventions.

These may include:

§         Liaison with the GP regarding treatment of predisposing disease conditions.

§         Recommendations regarding adjustment to and simplification of medications.

§         Gait aid review, prescription and training.

§         Recommendations regarding home modifications/minimisation of environmental hazards.

§         Prescription of aids and equipment to increase safety.

§         Balance retraining programs.

§         Strengthening and flexibility programs.

§         Education and training for clients and family/carers

The clinic does not provide ongoing therapy/treatment therefore a referral to appropriate service providers for ongoing management is arranged as required.

When appropriate, referral for additional specialist assessments may also be made.

These may include referral to a Neurologist, Ear, Nose and Throat (E.N.T.) Specialist, Clinical Psychologist or other community Allied Health services such as Podiatry, Dietetics, Optometry or Social Work.

Review:

Clients are reviewed at the clinic after six weeks and/or 6 months following the initial assessment.

This session is relatively brief (up to 1 hour) and involves review of the management plan and its effectiveness in preventing falls.

Education:

The clinic also has a role in providing education and training to health professionals and the community regarding the best practice for management of falls and mobility problems.

Clinic staff are available to conduct presentations to Community Groups and Service providers.

Possible risk factors:

§         Acute health conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections

§         Chronic medical conditions such as stroke, arthritis & Parkinson’s Disease

§         Postural hypotension

§         Polypharmacy (more than 4 medications)

§         Certain medication classifications, such as sedatives, diuretics & antidepressants

§         Reduced peripheral sensation (eg: peripheral neuropathy)

§         Syncope

§         Progressive neurological conditions, such as Chronic Demyelinating Polyneuropathy & Supranuclear Palsy

§         Inappropriate & ill-fitting footwear

§         Environmental hazards at home & in the community

§         General deconditioning

§         Cognitive impairment

§         Depression

§         Fear of falling

§         Vestibular dysfunction

§         Under nutrition

§         Lack of or inappropriate gait aid

Enquiries and Referrals:

The Falls and Mobility Clinic Coordinator

Latrobe Regional Hospital

P.O. Box 424

Traralgon, Victoria 3844

Phone: (03) 5173 8383

Facsimile: (03) 5173 8386